Kingston, Jamaica, Tuesday, May 23 2023. The decision of Prime Minister (PM) Holness to decline the 214 per cent increase in his salary now leaves Jamaicans to question whether our Ministers and other Members of Parliament (MPs) have the “higher moral duty” required of political leaders. Jamaican taxpayers will still be left to pay Ja$1.64 billion insalaries for the political directorate over the next 3 years.
Speaking at the Press Conference on Monday, May 22, 2023, the Advocates Network (AN) noted that PM Holness is “particularly moved” by that argument made by many Jamaicans, including the AN, that “politicians have a higher moral duty to act in concert and solidarity with those who are suffering.” The PM also noted that the process of calculating the new salaries has yielded salary increases for ministers that are “considered unfair relative to adjustments of other groups.” He further stated: “…there is also an expectation that politicians must show solidarity with the suffering of the people. Given the stage of the development of our democracy these feelings should not be ignored.” We agree with the PM. Other Ministers and MPs should act accordingly. If one can be rolled back, then ALL salaries for the political directorate can be rolled back!
We also note, however, that the PM made more promises about job descriptions and performance evaluations without public disclosure of the relevant documents. We, therefore, reiterate our call as follows:
1) Immediately disclose the already established series of accountability measures;
2) Roll Back the salary increases ffor the political directorate to no more than 20% in lline with other public sector workers until an independent report is produced on the performance of each MP and Ministers; and
3) Include an appropriate and acceptable accountability framework in PHASE 1 of the constitution reform process.
In the interest of fairness, morality and compassion, we further urge the government to immediately address the anomalies in the compensation packages of the rank-and-file civil servants and address outstanding issues such as those associated with public sector contract workers.
We encourage Jamaicans to support our CALL TO ACTION. Join our daily “Lunch-time” protests from 12 noon to 2pm at the National Heroes Circle Park (opposite the Ministry of Finance) starting Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
NO MORE PROMISES! Disclose the promised documents, including the compensation review, NOW!
ROLL BACK these unconscionable salary increases. If yuh can roll back ONE, yuh can roll back ALL!
For more information, contact:
Robert Stephens - Tel (876) 909-6338
Donna Mattis – Tel (876) 347-2482
Devon Taylor – Tel (917) 584-0839
Indi Mclymont-Lafayette – Tel (876) 852-8763
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